title: Nurses' and caregivers' definition of spirituality from the Christian perspective: a comparative study between Malta and Norway.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this cross-sectional comparative exploratory study was to explore the term spirituality as defined by four groups of nurses and two groups of caregivers from Malta and Norway.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Spirituality is a complex subjective concept which may or may not contain religiosity. Several factors may influence the individual's interpretation with implications to nursing care and nursing management.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected from six purposive samples using focus group discussions in Malta and Norway. The Taxonomy of Spirituality guided the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four themes defined the term 'spirituality'. Two differences were found between Malta and Norway. Connectedness with family and nature was emphasized more by the Maltese group while the Norwegian group identified both the positive and the negative energies of spirituality.
  A clinical environment conducive to holistic care is needed. Inclusion of spirituality in the continuous professional development programmes may enhance understanding of spirituality and foster spiritual growth.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Irrespective of differences in cultures between Malta and Norway, commonalities were found in the definition and essence of spirituality in nursing care. Trans-cultural longitudinal research is recommended to explore further the definition of spirituality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Diakonova University College, Oslo.
authors.forename: Kristina B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Torskenæs
authors.forename: Donia R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Baldacchino
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kalfoss
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Baldacchino
authors.forename: Josette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Borg
authors.forename: Marica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Falzon
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Grima
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002835:Christianity / Q000523:psychology*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D006801:Humans; D008319:Malta / Q000208:ethnology; D009664:Norway / Q000208:ethnology; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D029181:Spirituality
keywords: definition; informal caregivers; nurses; nursing management; spirituality; taxonomy of spirituality